Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Merges Sekiro, Belle Époque, and JRPG Inspirations

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an upcoming turn-based RPG infused with real-time mechanics, designed to deepen player immersion and engagement. Its foundation recalls classic JRPGs, especially Final Fantasy, with mechanics and themes inspired by the genre’s pioneers. At the 2025 Game Developers Conference, GamesRadar+ interviewed Expedition 33 Producer François Meurisse, who shared insights on the game’s creative origins.

Meurisse revealed that Final Fantasy 10, along with PlayStation-era classics like Final Fantasy 7, 8, and 9, deeply influenced Expedition 33. “Those were formative games for Guillaume [Broche], our director,” he said. “He wanted to recapture the essence of turn-based Final Fantasy titles while envisioning how they might have evolved today. But he also wove in diverse influences, with JRPGs shaping the core gameplay.”

While gameplay pays tribute to JRPGs, Meurisse noted the team’s commitment to forging a unique identity. “Artistically, we steered clear of mimicking Japanese manga or anime visuals. Instead, we drew from our own influences, crafting an early 20th-century Belle Époque aesthetic blended with Art Deco and high fantasy. Through several iterations, we carved out a distinct visual style that sets us apart.”

Broader Creative Influences

Beyond JRPGs, Expedition 33 pulls from souls-like titles, notably Sekiro, for its defensive mechanics. Meurisse explained, “Our defense system takes cues from Sekiro and FromSoftware’s rhythm-driven, skill-based approach, adding a real-time layer to combat.”

The game also integrates elements from deckbuilding games into its battle system. Meurisse added, “We opted for action points to power skills in combat, inspired by deckbuilding mechanics, rather than traditional RPG mana or magic point systems.”

Debut Character Trailer

As Expedition 33 approaches its release, the game is unveiling its characters weekly. On March 13, the official Expedition 33 Twitter (X) account shared a trailer introducing Gustave, a skilled engineer from Lumière. Gustave appears poised to lead the expedition in their mission to defeat the Paintress and end her deadly artistry.

The trailer showcases Gustave wielding a sword and pistol in combat, navigating the overworld with agile jumps, and unleashing powerful attacks with a versatile skill set. While the footage hints at his role, the developers have yet to disclose specific details about character mechanics or roles.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 launches on April 24, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Check out our article below for the latest updates on the game!